Photographs of Dunstanburgh

Click on an image to see the full picture       Next castle >>

Dunstanburgh Castle sits on a spectacular headland on the coast of Northumberland. Recent evidence suggests that the site of the castle was occupied in prehistoric times; however, the, principal remains date from the 14th century. In 1313, Earl Thomas of Lancaster cousin of Edward II of England, began construction of a massive fortress. By the time of his execution in 1322, the castle was substantially complete. John of Gaunt improved the castle in the late 14th century as the Duke of Lancaster. In the Wars of the Roses the castle was held for the Lancastrians in 1462 and 1464. The damage done was not made good and the castle fell steadily into decay. A report in 1538 mentioned it as being a "very reuynus howsse and of smalle strength" and another source in 1550 described it as in "wonderfull great decaye". It continued to deteriorate and was robbed of stone for the building of other places in the area. The last private owner Sir Arthur Sutherland donated the castle to the Ministry of Works in 1929. The castle is now owned by the National Trust and in the care of English Heritage.